Access Information

for Disabled Visitors to the Etihad Stadium

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Manchester City Football Club prides itself on being inclusive and working with all its supporters.

ACCESS INFORMATION FOR DISABLED SUPPORTERS

Manchester City Football Club prides itself on being inclusive and working with all its supporters. We recognize that disabled supporters may need assistance to fully enjoy the experience at both the Etihad Stadium and Academy Stadium and offer a variety of reasonable adjustments based on individual needs.

SEASONCARDS, MEMBERSHIPS AND MATCH TICKETS

Disabled supporters have the opportunity to purchase a Seasoncard, Cityzens Membership or individual match tickets. All are sold subject to availability.

Where the supporter is Over 14 and the need for personal assistance has been identified, the personal assistant (who is responsible for your care), is admitted free of charge. Supporters Under 14 are not allowed to enter the Etihad Stadium or Academy Stadium without a qualifying adult (Over 18). As a result, and in-line with reasonable adjustments, the parent/guardian who attends with the disabled supporter (Under 14) is required to pay the prevailing rate for both seats. In the interest of fairness, we do not provide the adult with a free 2015/16 Seasoncard, Cityzens Membership or match ticket.

Every individual experiences their disability very differently and Manchester City Football Club recognises this. Accordingly, we endeavour to avoid making generalisations and each request for a complimentary personal assistant ticket will be reviewed on a case by case basis. We will listen to what the individual says about the daily effects of their disability, and let them identify the difficulties they may have in attending a match.

In order to help us manage the ticketing system, we encourage supporters to complete a ‘Personal Assistant (PA) application form’ which helps us identify the individual’s underlying needs and reasons why assistance is required. These will be sent to all supporters for review during the 2015/16 season and where the Club requires further details or clarity of information; supporters will be contacted and invited to a meeting to discuss their personal circumstances.

Following consultation with the Manchester City Disabled Association (MCDSA) and Level Playing Field, the required proof of disability for supporters wishing to sit in any of the accessible areas, includes any one of the following:

A statement of high mobility/living allowance issued by the Department of Work & Pensions; or

Receipt of either the Severe Disablement Allowance or Attendance Allowance; or

Blind or partially sighted registration certificate; or

Enhanced Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Please note, this list is not exhaustive and consideration will be given to any other evidence that can be provided. For guidance, the Club advises supporters to refer to the Level Playing Field website.

For further ticket details, please visit the Tickets and Travel section of the Club’s website.

In line with the guidance found in ‘Accessible Stadia’, published by the Football Licensing Authority (FLA,) and provided by The Football Stadia Improvement Fund (FSIF), a minimum of 240 wheelchair positions are required. There are 252 wheelchair positions in the Etihad Stadium (excluding of private viewing boxes):

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Home supporters

135

68

28

Visiting supporters

12

9

-

There are 5 accessible entrances at the Etihad Stadium: D, H, M1, S and W doors, all of which are clearly sign posted. For supporters located on Levels 2 and 3, a lift is available at these entrances.

Please note: that whilst every effort is made to allocate assistant seats adjacent to the wheelchair bay some Etihad Stadium seating constraints may apply and as such, the assistant seat will be allocated in the closest available location. For example, there may be 3 wheelchair bays, then 3 carer seats.

There are 66 home bays available at the Academy Stadium for wheelchair users:

8 pitchside bays across the North and South Stands

48 pitchside bays across both the East and West Stands

10 wheelchair bays located on the Upper Level of the East Stand

There are 4 accessible entrances at the Academy Stadium. Not all entrances may be open for each matchday but both ambulant supporters and wheelchair users will be able to use any entrance that is open. For wheelchair users located on the upper level of the Academy Stadium, a steward will assist on the day and lift access is provided.

AMBULANT SUPPORTERS

All ambulant supporters are able to enjoy the game in the Etihad Stadium with their personal assistant (subject to qualification and requirement), from any seat they choose. If, for any reason, any ambulant supporter feels they have more specific seating requirements (a certain area, block or row) they should contact the Club’s Access Officer to discuss their requirements in more detail. We ask all supporters to consider the height and rake of the Level 3 stands as they may not be suitable. Handrails are available to provide support should you choose to sit on this level. Every effort will be made to accommodate such requests, subject to availability.

Matches at the Academy Stadium can be sold as either reserved or unreserved seating. Whilst there are no restrictions on where ambulant supporters can sit, we’d advise disabled supporters to contact the Club’s Access Officer to discuss their requirements in more detail.

DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING SUPPORTERS

The Club have induction loop equipment in the majority of customer contact points at the Etihad Stadium, including the Ticket Office and the main reception areas. We are in the process of installing induction loop equipment at the customer contact points at the Academy Stadium.

On match days at the Etihad Stadium, information will be carried on the electronic scoreboard and via the Public Address System. The Club do not currently have a textphone/minicom system, however we are investigating the possibility, along with how the Club can make or receive calls using RNIDs ‘Text Relay’ System.

BLIND OR PARTIALLY SIGHTED SUPPORTERS

Complimentary headsets are provided at the Etihad Stadium upon request to enable supporters to listen to the audio match commentary and can be ordered through the Club’s Access Officer. There is no audio match commentary available at the Academy Stadium.

Upon request the Club will take steps to provide accessible information on CD, large print and Braille. The news articles on the official Manchester City website are fully accessible for visually impaired supporters who use text based browsers (with the exception of any video content).

LEARNING DIFFICULTIES AND UNSEEN DISABILITIES

All supporters are able to sit anywhere in the Etihad Stadium to enjoy the game, from any seat they choose. If, for any reason, any supporter with learning difficulties or unseen disabilities feels they have more specific seating requirements (a certain area, block or row) they should contact the Club’s Access Officer to discuss their requirements in more detail. Every effort will be made to accommodate such requests, subject to availability. Requests for personal assistants will be given due consideration and where provided, supporters will be required to complete a Personal Assistant Registration Form.

Matches at the Academy Stadium can be sold as either reserved or unreserved seating. Whilst there are no restrictions on where ambulant supporters can sit, we’d advise disabled supporters to contact the Club’s Access Officer to discuss their requirements in more detail.

ACCESSIBLE TOILETS

There are 42 wheelchair accessible toilets within the Etihad Stadium; 16 toilets on Level One, 20 toilets on Level Two and 6 toilets on Level Three. All toilets are fitted with radar locks and keys which are available from nearby stewards. Every concourse washroom has one compartment (cubicle) that is suitable for ambulant supporters. We do not currently have a ‘changing places’ facility available however the Club have identified a space and hope to install this facility during the 2015/16 season.

There are 4 accessible toilets within the Academy Stadium.

ACCESSIBLE PARKING

Parking facilities for disabled supporters are available at the Etihad Stadium with 111 perimeter car parking spaces allocated to disabled membership holders. In addition, there are 350 spaces in Blue Car Park H and 55 spaces in Blue Car Park G which is located just 250 metres from the Etihad Stadium.

We currently have a high demand for accessible parking bays and therefore operate a waiting list based on receipt of the application from supporters for an accessible bay. Disabled Supporters who hold a ‘Blue Badge’ may apply for free parking, subject to availability, on a match by match basis. Supporters will need to supply a copy of their Blue Badge to the Club to qualify for free parking. ‘Pay on the day’ parking is available in the Etihad Stadium car parks at a cost of £10. Minibuses and coaches are free of charge.

The Club operates a free shuttle service at the Etihad Stadium using buggies to transfer supporters who need extra help from the car parks to the Etihad stadium. The service runs up to kick-off and resumes again after the final whistle, although supporters should note that due to congestion, the shuttle may suspend operation for a short period of time for the safety of all our supporters. Please note: due to the pedestrian areas of the campus, the shuttle operates on Joe Mercer Way only and does not take supporters to the Etihad Stadium entrances.

We can also arrange for a drop off pass to be allocated, where you can drive on to the accessible areas of the Etihad Stadium and ‘drop off’ the supporter as close to their entrance as is possible. Please note: the driver will be required to leave the Etihad Stadium to park and care should be provided for the disabled supporter, should they not be left on their own. The Club’s Access Officer would be happy to assist on the day, if contacted in advance or a number of staff and stewards will be available on the day.

Academy Stadium

Accessible parking is available on the North car park onsite at the Academy Stadium. If you are attending a match at the Academy Stadium and require accessible parking, please contact the Club’s Access Officer in advance of the match on +44 (0)161 444 1894 (option 1, option 1, option 1).

ASSISTANCE DOGS

Any supporter wishing to attend the Etihad Stadium or Academy Stadium with an assistance dog must contact the Club’s Access Officer on +44 (0)161 444 1894 (option 1, option 1, option 1) or contact us here at mcfc.co.uk/help so that we can ensure the appropriate match tickets (subject to availability) are allocated and adequate arrangements have been made.

TEMPORARY MOBILITY RESTRICTIONS

Supporters suffering from temporary mobility restrictions (e.g. broken leg) that may affect access to the Etihad Stadium or Academy Stadium or seating areas, should contact the Club’s Access Officer for the game to arrange alternative seating (subject to availability).

PREMIUM SEATS

A brand new matchday experience with two sports bars and upgraded facilities is available at the Etihad Stadium. The bars are named after, and are a place in celebration of, some of the most significant moments in the Club’s history; Joe’s, in honour of the Joe Mercer era, and 93:20 to recognise that historic goal. Premium Seats are accessible for disabled supporters and there are 20 home supporter wheelchair bays located within Premium Seats.

Disabled supporters are able to enjoy matches at the Etihad Stadium, choosing any hospitality package to suit their needs. Where a disabled supporter is a wheelchair user, due to the location of the wheelchair bays, it

is advised that they speak to a Hospitality Sales Representative to ensure the best package is offered and that the chosen package has access to an available wheelchair bay. There are a total of 27 wheelchair bays located in the home Hospitality supporter areas.

Where a personal assistant is required to accompany a Disabled Supporter over the age of 14, the personal assistant of said supporter shall receive a seat free of charge (subject to availability and the provision of supporting medical evidence). All other elements of the Hospitality Package are to be paid at the full prevailing rate.

The Hospitality Sales Team is available Monday to Friday; 8:30am to 5:30pm (closed Weekend & Bank Holiday).

Hospitality packages are not available at the Academy Stadium.

VISITING SUPPORTERS

At the Etihad Stadium there are 21 visiting supporter wheelchair bays. 12 are located on a Super Riser on Level 1 of the South Stand and 9 are located on the Level 2 platform immediately above the visiting supporter section.

The wheelchair bays located on Level 2 do not have direct access to the concourse. Disabled toilets are accessible either on the Box Level corridor or there are facilities adjacent to Legends. In relation to food and drink, an order pad will be handed to visiting disabled supporters when they arrive. Orders will be taken up to 15-mininutes before kick-off (for service before kick-off) and up to 5-minutes after kick-off (for half-time service).

Food and drink will be delivered to the seat approx. 15-minutes after the order has been placed or at the start of half-time if ordered beforehand. Cash is paid on delivery. In line with the Ground Regulations, there will be no alcohol served in these locations.

There is no designated visitors section at the Academy Stadium. Supporters are advised to contact their own Club’s Access Officer who will liaise with Manchester City’s Access Officer on their behalf.

Complimentary headsets are provided at the Etihad Stadium upon request to enable blind or visually impaired supporters to listen to the audio match commentary; these can be ordered through the Club’s Access Officer. There is currently no audio match commentary available at the Academy Stadium.

An induction loop system is installed at the Etihad Stadium South Stand Ticket Office which is used by visiting supporters. Induction loop equipment is currently being installed at the Academy Stadium.

If, for any reason, any visiting supporter feels they have more specific seating requirements (a certain area, block or row in the away end) they should contact their own Club’s Access Officer who will liaise with Manchester City Football Club. Every effort will be made to accommodate such requests, subject to availability. A number of accessible car parking spaces are made available to visiting supporters. Manchester City FC will advise the opposing Club’s Access Officer and/or a member of their Ticketing Team with regards to the number of bays available and any qualifying sales criteria. Minibuses and coaches are free of charge. Our Visiting Supporters Guide can be found here.

STADIUM TOURS

The Club offers accessible tours to wheelchair users. Visitors with special requirements may qualify for a free assistant place on the tour, subject to sales criteria and availability. Click here for further information about our Etihad Stadium and Club tours,. To discuss any special requirements, please contact our Tours team on +44 161 444 1894 (option 4, option 2) or email tours@mcfc.co.uk. All bookings are subject to availability and issued subject to the Terms and Conditions of Sale.

SUMMER EVENTS

Subject to the event, sales criteria and availability, the Club will sell tickets for wheelchair and ambulant customers.

The provision of a free personal assistant is subject to the sales criteria set for the event in question. The number of wheelchair bays available for summer events can vary depending on the configuration of the seats for the event. Please note, that whilst every effort is made to allocate personal assistant seats adjacent to the wheelchair bay some Etihad Stadium seating constraints may apply and as such, the assistant seat will be allocated in the closest available location (for example, there may be 3 wheelchair bays and then 3 personal assistant seats). It can also vary as to whether the venue has any general admission tickets to sell, so we are not always able to sell additional tickets for friends and family members. We will endeavour to accommodate such requests but availability is not guaranteed. Some concerts may also have age restrictions, which will also apply for the disabled tickets the venue has to sell.

Lift access is available in all areas of the Etihad Stadium, however Level 3 may not be suitable for customers who are not comfortable when seated high up. Please note, seats are sold on a first come, first served basis and Manchester City FC accept no liability for the seats purchased via a third party. Accessible car parking is available but is not included in summer event tickets. You will be required to pay the prevailing rate on the day as this cannot be booked in advance. For summer event hospitality, each suite is fully accessible with a number of wheelchair bays available in all areas.

Please ensure that you read the online FAQs and associated event sales criteria prior to booking accessible tickets at the Etihad Stadium or Academy Stadium.

ACCESS OFFICER

The Club’s Access Officer is on hand to offer assistance and advice, whether it be pre or post event, or on the day itself by calling the Disabled Ticket line on +44 (0)161 444 1894 (option 1, option 1, option1) or via our online FAQ, mcfc.co.uk/help. You can also keep up to date via our official Supporter Services Twitter account, @MCFCHELP.

MCDSA

The Manchester City Disabled Supporters Association is an independent organisation representing the interests of all Manchester City disabled supporters. To contact the MCDSA, visit mcdsa.co.uk, email mark@mcdsa.co.uk or call +44 (0)7740 859216. Read the latest issue of the MCDSA newsletter here.

DISABLED TICKETING POLICY

Our Disabled Ticketing Policy can be viewed on the Club website, click here.

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